Razing the Cathedral: Geoffrey Battista’s Controversial Opinion
Geoffrey Battista, a vocal critic of Burlington’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, has stirred up quite the controversy with his recent commentary. In his letter to the editor, Battista expresses amusement at Sally Giddings Smith’s comparison of the cathedral to Notre Dame de Paris, calling it “absurd” and challenging the idea of the cathedral as an architectural gem.
Battista argues that Burlington’s cathedral, despite being a focal point in downtown Burlington for decades, has failed to attract the same level of admiration and tourism as other religious structures around the world. He points to examples like Mexico City’s Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, noting its architectural appeal despite being primarily made of concrete.
A Call for Demolition
Battista urges readers not to let a minority group of historic preservation advocates stand in the way of progress. He believes that the demolition of the cathedral could pave the way for new developments that would benefit the city more than the current structure.
A Controversial Proposal
In a bold and somewhat tongue-in-cheek proposal, Battista suggests relocating the old cathedral to a “farm up north” where it can join other lost architectural wonders like the original Penn Station and the Library of Alexandria. He bids farewell to the cathedral and welcomes the potential new neighbors that could take its place.
Diverse Perspectives
It’s clear that Battista’s opinion has sparked a heated debate among residents and newsmakers in Burlington. While some may agree with his views on the cathedral’s architectural significance, others may see value in preserving the city’s historic landmarks. As VTDigger strives to publish a variety of viewpoints, it’s important to consider the diverse perspectives that contribute to the ongoing conversation about Burlington’s future.
In the end, whether the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception stays or goes remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Geoffrey Battista’s controversial opinion has certainly ignited a passionate discussion about the city’s architectural heritage and its potential for future development.
